The women farmers, drawn from five implementing districts in the region including Savelugu, Nanton, Mion, Tolon, and Kumbungu, emphasised that SWFA had drastically reduced household poverty, malnutrition and deprivation.

They said the Association’s programmes had not only enhanced their understanding of agribusiness but also improved their capacities to adapt to changing climatic conditions.

The women gave the commendation at an engagement and capacity-building workshop at Tamale to facilitate the structural assessment of SWFA and its members.

The event formed part of the implementation of the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) project being supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to promote sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen farmer-based organisations.

Mr Oseni Kabiru, the Programmes Officer of SWFA, speaking during the event, said it was to evaluate the impact of government policies and programmes on agriculture as well as review the outcomes of SWFA’s interventions in the beneficiary communities.
He said the workshop was also designed to address key challenges confronting women farmers including access to farmlands, market opportunities, and climate resilience while providing platforms to develop strategies for improving their overall livelihoods.
Mr Kabiru reaffirmed SWFA’s commitment to continuously engage policymakers and relevant stakeholders to ensure that issues impeding the growth and empowerment of women farmers were addressed.
He said the Association remained dedicated to promoting women’s active participation in agribusiness, strengthening their organisational capacity, and advocating gender-responsive agricultural policies.

Madam Rahinatu Sulemana, a participant from the Kpilo community, praised SWFA for amplifying women’s voices on critical issues such as land ownership and inclusive participation in agriculture.

She said SWFA’s support in enhancing their knowledge of organic farming techniques had contributed to improved yields, better household nutrition, and poverty reduction in many rural communities.
She said the training and mentorship provided by the Association had inspired many women to view farming as a viable business rather than a subsistence activity.